(Ecofin Agency) - The Rwandan Ministry of agriculture announced a joint investment of $10 million in the livestock sector in partnership with the US NGO Heifer International. The initiative is part of the 5-year Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM).

The money will help 23,400 rural and vulnerable households that are facing food insecurity in 15 districts in the Northern, Southern and Western Provinces where PRISM will be implemented. The targeted populations will benefit from capacity building in animal health improvement through the training of agro-veterinary entrepreneurs and the establishment of community animal health funds.  

The two partners will also help beneficiaries develop commercial poultry and pork production chains by establishing viable contracts with input suppliers. 

The ultimate goal is to enable producers in the intervention regions to earn an average of $6 per day to "live with dignity" compared to the current $3.

"We look forward to working closely with Heifer Rwanda to deliver this program that will positively impact farmers and their families. Heifer International has a long history of working with farmers in Rwanda to build resilient rural communities and support farming families to live productive, prosperous lives," said Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana (pictured), Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda.

As a reminder, PRISM is also co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Belgium development Agency (Enabel). In Rwanda, livestock contributes about 5% of the country’s GDP and 14% of the agricultural GDP.

Espoir Olodo